Audio headset

Headsets connect over a telephone or to a computer, allowing the user to speak and listen while keeping both hands free.

They are also common among computer gamers and let them talk with each other and hear others while using their keyboards and mice to play the game.

Double-earpiece headsets may support stereo sound or use the same monaural audio channel for both ears.

Its receptive field is limited to only the front and the direct opposite back of the microphone.

Omni-directional microphones pick up the complete 360-degree field, which may include much extraneous noise.

Convertible headsets are designed so that users can change the wearing method by re-assembling various parts.

Most models of telephone amplifiers offer volume control for the loudspeaker as well as a microphone, mute function and switching between handset and headset.

These features include game-specific sound modes, aesthetic designs inspired by popular games or themes, detachable microphones, and RGB lighting.

Older mobile phones used a single earphone with a microphone module connected in the cable.

Mobile headsets come in a range of wearing-styles, including behind-the-neck, over-the-head, over-the-ear, and lightweight earbuds.

Some aftermarket mobile headsets come with a standard 2.5 mm plug different from the phone's audio connector, so users have to purchase an adapter.

A USB headset for a computer also cannot be directly plugged into a phone's or portable media player's micro-USB slot.

There are however different pin-alignment to the 3.5mm plug, mainly OMTP and CTIA, so a user should find out which settings their device uses before buying a headphone/headset.

The first wireless headsets were jointly invented by NASA and Plantronics during Apollo program to improve astronaut's communications during mission.

Different countries have regulations for the bandwidth used in DECT, but most have pre-set this band for wireless audio transmission.

Based on this profile, developers such as Plantronics, Jabra or Accutone have launched wireless headsets which can directly pair with any GAP-enabled DECT telephones.

Because 2.4 GHz Wireless Headsets cannot directly "talk" to any standard cordless telephones, an extra base-unit is required for this product to function.

While it can be and is used for data transmission, the short range (due to using low power to reduce battery drain) is a limiting factor.

Modern AirPods also have[8] a microphone to use for calls and interactions with Siri digital assistant.

Many headsets supplied with these base stations connect to cellphones via Class 2 Bluetooth, however, restricting the range to about 33 feet.